In Season 1, Episode 7 of the Netflix series Castlevania: Nocturne, titled “Blood Is the Only Way,” Countess Erzsebet Bathory (Franka Potente) completes her ascent to power as she revels in the support of European vampires. The episode begins in the chateau, where Bathory welcomes her vampire servants, guests, and allies. Proclaiming that with the blood of Sekhmet in her veins, she will make the “skies break into obsidian black” and cast the Earth under her shadow. Following the proclamation, the Vampire Messiah invites the vampires to a feast and a dance. She receives good news from Drolta Tzuentes (Elarica Johnson) about securing Abbot Emmanuel’s (Richard Dormer) loyalty. Later, Drolta brings Olrox (Zahn McClarnon) to meet Bathory outside the chateau, discussing how Olrox will assist in her future arrival in the Americas, spreading her influence to humans and vampires alike in the New World. Despite his reluctance, Olrox bows in compliance before Bathory when threatened by the Countess with a glimpse of Sekhmet’s power.
Later, the Countess and Drolta meet with the Abbot, Mizrak (Aaron Neil), and the Knights of Saint John in the chateau, accompanied by the Night Creatures. Bathory examines the Night Creatures for their strengths and abilities, asking the Abbot for information. However, she and Drolta express concerns about the limitations on the number of Night Creatures he can create, though the Abbot dismisses it. Emmanuel changes the topic, suggesting that the first city they should strike is Nantes, a revolutionary stronghold that could give them a fortified position to take Rennes and later Paris. The Countess and Drolta ignore the suggestion and demand Emmanuel to seal their alliance later at the Abbey in blood, with his daughter Maria as the sacrifice, shocking Emmanuel and fueling Mizrak’s growing disgust.
At the Renard Household, Maria (Pixie Davies) struggles to accept that her mother, Tera (Nastassja Kinski), hid the truth that the Abbot is her father. Suddenly, the Marquiss and her vampiric servants ambush them to avenge the Marquis’ death. Richter (Edward Bluemel) arrives to kill the vampires and save the Renards. He reunites with the Renards, with Maria amused by his new headband and Tera admitting she hid information regarding Juste from Richter. Richter apologizes to Annette (Thuso Mbedu) for running away during the battle at the Abbey’s cellar and regains her trust. The group plans their next attack on the Abbey for the morning since vampires cannot aid the Abbot under sunlight.
When the group discusses the possibilities of the Forgemaster tool Emmanuel uses to create the Night Creatures, Olrox interrupts by dropping the Forgemaster book that details the Infernal Machine Emmanuel is using. Richter attempts to kill Olrox but fails. Olrox tells Richter and the group that he wants to stop Bathory as much as they do, but only humans can remove the Infernal Machine. Still distrustful of Olrox, the group does not trust him promptly before Olrox tells them to read the Forgemaster book for proof before leaving. The group reads the book and realizes that the Infernal Machine is from Hell because the Forgemaster book, an instruction manual for the machine, is written in Enochian, the language of Hell. As Tera privately studies the Forgemaster book for information on potential weaknesses of the Infernal Machine, Maria silently leaves for the Abbey to save her father from his mad crusade. However, Emmanuel’s zealotry prevents him from changing and plans to sacrifice her as Abraham almost did Isaac in the Book of Genesis. Shocked, Mizrak heads to the Renard household and warns Richter, Annette, and Tera of the Abbot’s plan to sacrifice Maria. They all race to the Abbey simultaneously as Countess Bathory creates an eclipse over Machecoul to cover the town and the lands around it in darkness.
The Countess and her Vampires
In Castlevania: Nocturne Season 1, Episode 7, directors Sam Deats and Adam Deats, along with writer Testament, deliver a captivating installment that propels the narrative to new heights. This episode marks a pivotal moment in Countess Erzsebet Bathory’s pursuit of power, and the creative team masterfully captures the essence of her ascent. The atmospheric scenes in the chateau, heightened by a dark and ominous tone, set the stage for unfolding events, with Enochian, the language of Hell, adding a mystical layer to the narrative.
Character dynamics are skillfully explored, especially in the interactions between Bathory, Drolta Tzuentes, and Abbot Emmanuel. The Renard Household subplot introduces compelling elements, with Maria grappling with newfound revelations. Action sequences, particularly Richter’s intervention, are well-executed, and the revelation of the Infernal Machine’s origins in Hell adds a fascinating supernatural element.
Despite moments of distrust, the narrative maintains a steady pace, concluding with a cliffhanger as Bathory creates an eclipse over Machecoul, leaving eager anticipation for the developments for the season finale. Overall, the episode is a well-crafted and immersive installment that skillfully blends character development, supernatural elements, and intense action, making it a standout in the Castlevania television series.
It is noteworthy to highlight Olrox’s defiance towards Countess Bathory, potentially reflecting his disdain for those who sought to conquer and oppress the New World, akin to the actions of the Spanish Conquistadors against his people, the Aztecs, centuries ago. However, it is crucial to establish his early transformation into a mythological serpent-like creature resembling the Aztec god Quetzalcoatl. This transformation suggests that, as Bathory embodies Sekhmet, Olrox is likely Quetzalcoatl’s avatar. However, Quetzalcoatl’s strength is likely not powerful enough to overcome and defeat Sekhmet.
Rating: 9/10
